The Cross River State House of Assembly has exonerated Hon. Cyril James Omini, member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, of allegations that he collected ₦1.6 billion from a construction firm executing state road projects.
The decision came after lawmakers adopted the report of the Special Committee on Public Complaints, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi (Obudu), which investigated the petition.
Presenting the committee’s findings at plenary, Agabi said the panel invited key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Eketeson Resources International Limited, Engr. Donald Ekete; the Commissioners for Works and Finance; the Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; and the Accountant General of the state to testify.
He disclosed that Omini also appeared before the committee and “vehemently denied” ever receiving any payment from the company.
Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved that the allegations were unsubstantiated, describing them as “untrue, unfounded, and baseless.”
“Having not been found wanting, Hon. Cyril Omini is hereby absolved of any ₦1.6 billion financial involvement with Eketeson Resources International Limited as alleged,” the resolution read.
Lawmakers commended the committee for conducting what they described as a thorough and impartial investigation, adding that the outcome reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to transparency, justice, and due process.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the committee’s professionalism, noting that the probe was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but to ensure fair hearing and accountability.
Reacting after the resolution, Hon. Omini expressed gratitude to the House leadership and his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to clear his name.
“I thank the Speaker and members of the committee. I am not angry with anyone. The report has cleared my name, and I remain focused on serving my people,” he said.
The Assembly had, on May 13, 2025, constituted the investigative committee to probe a public petition alleging that the lawmaker received ₦1.6 billion from Eketeson Resources International Limited, the contractor handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.
In a related development, the Assembly has called on the state government to provide outboard engines to riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area to improve water transportation.
The lawmakers urged the Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, to procure and distribute the engines to ease movement, boost economic activities, and enhance access to healthcare and education.
They also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other development partners to support the initiative, describing it as vital to improving the quality of life of residents.
The call followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Kingsley Ntui, representing Etung State Constituency.
