The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the alleged lavish lifestyles of political office holders, saying the President does not live extravagantly despite his position. Adedeji said Tinubu maintains a modest lifestyle, claiming that the President often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport. He also claimed that Tinubu eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months. Adedeji made the claims during an interview with Channels Television, where he responded to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye on the lifestyles of political office holders amid the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians. The discussion came against the backdrop of growing public debate over government expenditure and the lifestyles of political leaders as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and other economic pressures. Responding to questions about the President’s movements and reports concerning the number of luxury vehicles allegedly attached to his convoy, Adedeji challenged the suggestion that Tinubu was living lavishly. He said the President could afford the vehicles reportedly associated with his office, questioning why the cost of an Escalade should be a subject of concern. “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,” Adedeji said. He further argued that Tinubu’s activities and movements did not suggest that the President was living an extravagant lifestyle. “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 said. Adedeji also said the President’s personal habits did not support the perception that he was living lavishly. “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?” he asked. His comments come amid continued public scrutiny of the cost of governance, official convoys and the lifestyles of political office holders, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are facing increased costs of food, transportation and other basic necessities.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
