The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has offered an unusual defence of President Bola Tinubu’s lifestyle, saying the President’s daily routine does not reflect the lavish lifestyle often associated with political office holders.
Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, August 9, while responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of political leaders at a time Nigerians are facing rising living costs and economic pressure.
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 just once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months.
His comments came amid continuing public debate over the spending and lifestyles of senior government officials, particularly against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship.
Addressing reports about the luxury vehicles attached to the President’s convoy, Adedeji questioned whether the use of Cadillac Escalades should automatically be interpreted as excessive living.
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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?”
Adedeji’s defence comes at a time when the gap between the lifestyles of political elites and the economic realities of ordinary Nigerians remains a sensitive public issue.
While the NRS chairman focused on Tinubu’s personal routine, the broader debate over public officials’ lifestyles also extends to government spending, official vehicles, foreign trips, security arrangements and other privileges attached to political office.