Reps Give Galaxy Backbone 72hrs To Explain Financial Infractions

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, PAC, has handed Galaxy Backbone, the federal government’s information technology and shared service provider, a 72-hour ultimatum to explain widespread financial and contract infractions.

The committee, led by Bamidele Salam, grilled Galaxy Backbone officials, including the Director-General, Prof. Muhammad Bello Abubakar, over allegations of non-remittance of taxes, payment for contractual obligations without documentation, and e-payment violations, among others.

“Galaxy Backbone was found guilty of non-remitting taxes worth N329,845,000 and was ordered to provide details of a N66,799,440 payment for a contractual obligation within 72 hours.

“The company was also given another 72 hours to provide details of a payment to ST Engineering in the United States, which raised suspicions due to the use of the same address in two different states.

The committee also investigated the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, over payment of allowances for projects, and “doubtful training” totalling N47,185,200.

The institute was indicted for lack of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, attributed the infractions to the previous administration, but the committee rejected the explanation, demanding more information on the projects, including location, personnel involved, and payment details.

The committee constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the discrepancies and report back within one week.

Billy Osawaru, who chairs the ad-hoc committee, vowed to get to the bottom of the matter, stating that the committee would not tolerate any form of financial recklessness.

Both Galaxy Backbone and IPCR have been summoned to reappear before the committee to address pending issues, with Galaxy Backbone scheduled to return on February 27, 2025.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji