The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the alleged extravagant lifestyle of political office holders.
Adedeji said the President does not live lavishly despite the privileges associated with his office, stressing that Tinubu maintains a relatively modest routine.
The NRS chairman made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of government officials amid the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
According to Adedeji, Tinubu often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
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.”
Addressing reports about the number of luxury vehicles allegedly attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji said there was nothing unusual about the President using such vehicles, considering the office he occupies.
He asked, “How much is an Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.”
The NRS boss also claimed that Tinubu had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months, describing the President as focused on official duties.
He said, “In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working.”
Adedeji further claimed that the President eats only once a day and rarely attends social events.
He said, “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?”
His comments come amid ongoing public concerns over government spending and the lifestyles of political office holders at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with increased living costs and economic hardship.
