The Cross River State House of Assembly has cleared the member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, Hon. 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, Hon. Sylvester Agabi (Obudu), 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, Engr. 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, Hon. 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 described as a thorough and impartial investigation, stating that the outcome reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to justice and due process.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, 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, Hon. Omini expressed appreciation to the speaker and his colleagues for allowing him 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.

It would be recalled that the Assembly had, on May 13, 2025, established the Special Committee to investigate a public petition alleging that the lawmaker received N1.6 billion from Eketeson Resources International Limited, the contractors handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.

In other news, in an effort to address persistent transportation challenges in Etung Local Government Area, lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have urged the government to provide outboard engines to riverine communities that heavily rely on water transport.

The Assembly urged the Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services, working in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, to procure and distribute the engines.

According to the lawmakers, the move would ease movement, improve access to healthcare and other essential services, and promote economic activity in the affected areas.

They also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other development partners to lend their support to the initiative, describing it as crucial to enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Kingsley Ntui, who represents Etung State Constituency.