8 hours ago
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The Cross River State House of Assembly has cleared Cyril James Omini, the member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, of allegations that he received ₦1.6 billion from a private firm.
The exoneration followed the adoption of a report by a Special Committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Sylvester Agabi, representing the Obudu constituency, which investigated the claims.
The committee had been mandated to look into public complaints suggesting that Omini benefited financially from a construction firm handling state road projects.
Presenting the report during plenary, Agabi said the panel conducted extensive investigative hearings involving the Managing Director of the firm, Engr. Donald Ekete; the Commissioners for Works and Finance; the Special Adviser on Projects and Programmes Monitoring and Evaluation; and the State Accountant-General.
He added that Omini was also invited and “vehemently denied” receiving any such payment.
After considering the findings, the Assembly concluded that the allegations were untrue, unfounded, and baseless. The House resolved that there was no evidence linking Omini to any ₦1.6 billion transaction with the firm.
In adopting the report, lawmakers commended the committee for what they described as a diligent and transparent investigation, stressing that the outcome reaffirmed their commitment to justice and fairness.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, while commending the committee, said the investigation was not intended to witch-hunt Omini but to ensure that he was given a fair hearing. He noted that the process had fully vindicated the lawmaker.
“We wanted the truth established. It was never about witch-hunting but about transparency and due process,” the Speaker said.
Reacting, Omini thanked the Speaker, the committee members, 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 proven that there was nothing like that. We pray for a better Cross River State and for the House of Assembly,” he said.
It will be recalled that at its plenary of Tuesday, 13th May 2025, the Assembly set up the Special Committee to investigate allegations that Omini had financial dealings with the contractor handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.
We didn’t witchhunt our colleague over alleged N1.6bn kickback – Cross River Assembly
