Tinubu Treks to Office, Eats Once Daily — NRS Boss

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that political leaders live lavishly despite the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

Adedeji said Tinubu does not live extravagantly and claimed that the President often walks from his residence to his office instead of using a vehicle, except when travelling to the airport.

He made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyles of political office holders amid rising living costs and public concerns over government spending.

According to Adedeji, Tinubu has also not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months and spends much of his time working on official documents and government affairs.

He further claimed that the President eats only once a day and rarely attends social events.

“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,” Adedeji said.

Responding to questions about the number of luxury Cadillac Escalade vehicles reportedly attached to Tinubu’s convoy, the NRS boss said the President could afford such vehicles if he chose to use them.

“How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country,” he said.

Adedeji questioned what should be considered “living large” for a sitting Nigerian President, insisting that Tinubu’s lifestyle did not fit that description.

“What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working,” he said.

He also said the President could be found regularly reviewing official documents rather than engaging in leisure activities.

“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 added.

His comments come amid continued public debate over the lifestyle of political leaders and the gap between government spending and the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerians.