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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Tinubu treks to office, eats once daily — NRS boss

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nigeria's Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, defended President Bola Tinubu's lifestyle amid economic hardship, stating he lives frugally.
  • Adedeji claimed Tinubu walks to his office, eats only once daily, and has not traveled abroad in three months, challenging notions of extravagance.
  • The comments come as Nigerians grapple with rising living costs and public debate over the spending habits of political leaders.

Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of Nigeria's Revenue Service, has pushed back against public concerns regarding the perceived lavish lifestyles of Nigerian officials, asserting that President Bola Tinubu lives a remarkably frugal life. Speaking on Channels Television on Sunday, Adedeji addressed questions about the President's movements and reported use of luxury vehicles amidst the nation's economic challenges.

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.

— Zacch AdedejiDescribing President Tinubu's daily commute.

Adedeji claimed that President Tinubu often walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when traveling to the airport. He further stated that the President eats only once a day and has refrained from international travel for the past three months. These assertions aim to counter the narrative of extravagance that has fueled public debate over government spending.

When questioned about the number of luxury vehicles, such as Escalades, reportedly in Tinubu's convoy, Adedeji challenged the premise, arguing that the President could easily afford such assets. "How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country," he stated. He emphasized Tinubu's dedication to his work, noting that the President is frequently seen reviewing documents, whether on holiday or otherwise.

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

— Zacch AdedejiResponding to questions about the President's convoy.

The chairman's defense comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with escalating living costs and economic pressures. The discussion highlights a stark contrast between the daily realities faced by citizens and the lifestyle attributed to their leaders, prompting ongoing scrutiny of public expenditure and official conduct.

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?

— Zacch AdedejiHighlighting President Tinubu's alleged simple lifestyle.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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