Cross River State House of Assembly has cleared the member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, Cyril James Omini, of allegations that he collected N1.6 billion from a construction firm handling state road projects.

The decision followed the adoption of the report of the Special Committee on Public Complaints, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Sylvester Agabi, which investigated the petition against the lawmaker.

Presenting the report during plenary, Agabi said the committee invited the Managing Director of Eketeson Resources International Limited, Donald Ekete; the Commissioners for Works and Finance; the Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; and the state Accountant General to give evidence.

He said the lawmaker also appeared before the panel and “vehemently denied” receiving any money from the company. After consideration of the report, the House resolved that the allegations were unsubstantiated, describing them as “untrue, unfounded and baseless.”

In its resolution, the Assembly stated: “Having not been found wanting, Cyril Omini is hereby absolved of any N1.6 billion financial involvement with Eketeson Resources International Limited as alleged.”

Members commended the committee for what they called a thorough and impartial investigation, saying the outcome reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to justice and due process.

The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, also thanked the committee for handling the matter diligently, noting that the probe was to ensure fair hearing and not to witch-hunt the lawmaker.

Reacting to the development, Omini expressed appreciation to the speaker and his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to clear his name. It would be recalled that the Assembly had on May 13, 2025, set up the Special Committee to investigate a public petition alleging that the lawmaker received N1.6 billion from Eketeson Resources International Limited, contractors handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.