By Itam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly has cleared the Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency, Hon Cyril James Omini, of allegations linking him to a purported N1.6 billion payment allegedly received from Eketeson Resources International Limited. Lawmakers ruled that the claims were unfounded, baseless and lacked evidence.
This decision followed the presentation and adoption of the report of a Special Committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi of Obudu State Constituency. The Committee was set up after a public petition alleged that Hon Omini received funds from the construction firm handling state road projects in Ugep and Ikom.
Hon Agabi disclosed that the Committee invited and obtained testimonies from 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 and Programmes Monitoring and Evaluation, and the State Accountant General. Hon Omini also appeared before the panel where he strongly denied receiving any money from the company.
After deliberating on the findings, the House adopted the Committee’s recommendations which confirmed that no evidence supported the claims against Hon Omini. The Assembly resolved that the allegations were untrue and should be dismissed.
The resolution read in part that the allegations against Hon Cyril Omini were untrue, unfounded and baseless and therefore dismissed by the Cross River State House of Assembly. It further stated that having been found not guilty of any misconduct, Hon Omini stood absolved of any financial involvement with Eketeson Resources International Limited.
Lawmakers commended the Committee for conducting a diligent and transparent investigation, adding that the outcome demonstrated the Assembly’s commitment to fairness, justice and the protection of citizens from false accusations.
Speaking after the adoption of the report, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, thanked the Committee for its thorough work. He emphasised that the probe panel was established to grant Hon Omini a fair hearing rather than target him, noting that the process had proven his innocence beyond doubt.
In his reaction, Hon Omini expressed gratitude to the Speaker and his colleagues for giving him a fair hearing. He said he bore no grudges against anyone and maintained confidence in the Assembly’s decision. He thanked all who participated in the process and prayed for continuous peace and progress in the state.
It will be recalled that on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, the House constituted the Special Committee to investigate the allegation following a public petition accusing Hon Omini of engaging in financial dealings with the firm responsible for road construction in the state.