Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, has dismissed concerns about the reported extravagant lives of government officials.
Adedeji stated that President Bola Tinubu, despite his position, does not live extravagantly.
He revealed this during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, when he was questioned by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lives of political office holders in light of Nigeria’s economic woes.
The conversation comes amid public debate over government expenditures and political leaders’ lifestyles, especially as Nigerians face rising living costs and economic challenges.
Responding to queries concerning the president’s activities and purported usage of expensive vehicles, Adedeji stated that Tinubu typically walks from his home to his office and only drives to the airport.
He further stated that the president eats only once a day and has not traveled outside Nigeria in the last three months.
When queried about the number of Escalades purportedly linked to Tinubu’s convoy, Adedeji questioned the premise of the inquiry, claiming that the president could afford such vehicles.
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 was he riding?
“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.
“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.
“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.”
