The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said President Bola Tinubu does not live an extravagant lifestyle despite the privileges attached to his office.
Adedeji made the claim during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyles of political office holders amid rising economic hardship and concerns over government spending.
The NRS boss said 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.
He was also questioned about reports concerning the number of luxury vehicles, including Escalades, allegedly attached to the President’s convoy.
Responding, Adedeji argued that there was nothing unusual about the President having access to such vehicles, given his position.
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
The NRS chairman further dismissed suggestions that Tinubu has been living lavishly, saying the President has remained focused on his official responsibilities.
“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 questioned how frequently the President attends social events, arguing that his activities do not suggest a lavish lifestyle.
NRS Chairman Adedeji dismisses online report on Frontier Exploration Fund as sponsored fake news
History Made, Future Beckons: How Oloyede’s stewardship redefined JAMB, restored public trust
“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?” he added.
