Nigerians tackle NRS boss, Adedeji over Tinubu trekking to office, eating once daily comments
Nigerians Criticize NRS Chairman’s Defense of Government Expenses
Nigeria’s Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, faced widespread criticism following his remarks on the cost of governance during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In an appearance on the “Sunday Politics” show on Channels Television, Adedeji defended the spending of government officials, stating that President Tinubu often walks to his office from his residence and only uses transportation when heading to the airport. He also asserted that the president eats once a day and has not traveled abroad in the past three months.
When asked about the number of Cadillac Escalade vehicles in the presidential convoy, Adedeji questioned the cost of the vehicles.
“Mr. President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving, except when he is going to the airport,” he said. “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.”
He continued, “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 reviewing one document or the other.”
Adedeji’s comments sparked a backlash on social media, with many users expressing disbelief. One user, Israel Denson, remarked, “These guys are playing on our intelligence way too much… until they wake up, no one table will be left unturned.” Another user, known as Raul, responded, “It’s like saying I used to bath naked. Only criminals that are heartless reason this way.” A third user, Theta, criticized Adedeji, stating, “This is dumb and he is supposed to be NRS chairman.”
This controversy comes as Nigerians grapple with a rising cost of living, with headline inflation at 15.91 percent and food inflation at 17.52 percent, under the backdrop of a minimum wage of N70,000. Adedeji has previously faced scrutiny for comments related to the Nigerian economy.
