The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism over the lifestyle and spending of political office holders amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Adedeji said Tinubu does not live extravagantly, arguing that the President’s daily routine does not reflect the lavish lifestyle often associated with public officials.
He made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, where he was questioned by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of political leaders amid rising living costs and economic pressures 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 also claimed that the President eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the previous 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.
The NRS chairman also challenged concerns over the reported number of luxury vehicles, including Cadillac Escalades, attached to the President’s convoy.
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.
Adedeji argued that Tinubu’s activities did not support claims that the President 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 cited the President’s eating habits and limited public social engagements as further evidence.
“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 said.
The comments come amid continued public debate over government spending and the lifestyles of political office holders, particularly as Nigerians grapple with increased living costs and broader economic pressures.
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