The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against allegations that he lives an extravagant lifestyle, saying the President maintains a modest routine despite the privileges attached to his office.
Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyles of political office holders amid the economic hardship confronting Nigerians and concerns over government spending.
According to the NRS chairman, Tinubu often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
He also claimed that the President eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months.
“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?” Adedeji said.
Reacting to questions about reports of luxury vehicles, including Escalades, allegedly attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji argued that there was nothing unusual about the President having access to such vehicles.
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
Adedeji further dismissed suggestions that Tinubu has been living lavishly, insisting that the President has remained focused on his official duties.
“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,” he added.
The NRS boss also questioned the frequency of Tinubu’s attendance at social events, arguing that the President’s activities do not portray someone living an extravagant lifestyle.
“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?” Adedeji said.
