The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has dismissed concerns over the alleged lavish lifestyles of public officials, insisting that President Bola Tinubu does not live extravagantly.
Adedeji made the claim during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, while responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of political office holders amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The discussion came as Nigerians continue to debate government spending, rising living costs and the lifestyles of political leaders.
Speaking about Tinubu’s movements and reported use of luxury vehicles, Adedeji claimed that the President usually walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when heading to the airport.
He also said Tinubu eats once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months.
Asked about the number of Escalades reportedly attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji questioned the basis of the claim, saying Tinubu could afford such vehicles.
He said, “Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport. I don’t know where you see the convoy. Before he became president, what is he riding?
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.
“What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working. If you go there now, you will see him review one document or the other.
“So what is living large? The president eats once in a day. How many parties have you seen him at in the last three years? Tell me where you have seen him, whether on holiday or anywhere?”
