The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has dismissed concerns over the alleged lavish lifestyles of public officials.
Adedeji said President Bola Tinubu does not live extravagantly despite his position.
He stated this during an interview with Channels Television, on Sunday, where he was questioned by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of political office holders amid the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
The discussion comes amid public debate over government spending and the lifestyles of political leaders, particularly as Nigerians continue to contend with rising living costs and economic pressures.
Responding to questions about the President’s movements and reported use of luxury vehicles, Adedeji claimed that Tinubu usually walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
He also said the President eats only once daily and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months
When asked about the number of Escalades reportedly attached to Tinubu’s convoy, Adedeji challenged the premise of the question, arguing 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 is 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?”
Cc : Punch