The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the alleged extravagant lifestyle of public officials, insisting that the President does not live lavishly despite his position.
Adedeji made the claim during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, where he was questioned by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyle of political office holders at a time when many Nigerians are dealing with rising living costs and economic hardship.
The discussion came amid renewed public scrutiny of government spending and the lifestyles of political leaders.
Responding to questions about Tinubu’s movements and reports concerning the luxury vehicles attached to his convoy, Adedeji said the President’s lifestyle was far from extravagant.
According to him, Tinubu often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when he needs to travel to the airport.
Adedeji also claimed that the President eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the preceding three months.
Addressing the issue of the Cadillac Escalades reportedly used by members of the presidential convoy, the revenue service boss questioned why the vehicles were being presented as evidence of excessive spending.
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.”
Adedeji further argued that Tinubu’s recent activities did not suggest that he was living extravagantly.
“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.
He also pointed to the President’s limited public appearances at social events as evidence of what he described as a modest 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 asked.
His comments come as Nigerians continue to debate the cost of governance and the lifestyles of political leaders against the backdrop of economic pressures facing households across the country.