The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu walks to his office and eats only once a day, while dismissing claims that the President lives an extravagant lifestyle.
Adedeji made the remarks 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 difficulties.
The NRS chairman defended Tinubu’s lifestyle as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and growing economic pressures, amid debates over government spending and the lifestyles of public officials.
According to Adedeji, Tinubu usually walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when he is heading to the airport.
He further claimed that the President eats only once daily and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the previous three months.
The NRS boss was also questioned about reports concerning the number of Escalades allegedly attached to Tinubu’s convoy.
Responding, Adedeji questioned the basis of the concern, arguing that the President could afford such vehicles and should not be portrayed as living extravagantly because of their use.
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?”
