The Cross River State House of Assembly has exonerated one of its members, Cyril James Omini of Yakurr I Constituency, from allegations that he received a ₦1.6 billion kickback from a state contractor.

The clearance followed the adoption of a report by a special investigative committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Sylvester Agabi. The committee was mandated in May 2025 to look into public claims that Omini benefited financially from a firm handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.

Presenting the report, Agabi stated that the panel conducted extensive hearings with the contractor, relevant commissioners, and the state accountant-general. He noted that Omini was also invited and “vehemently denied” the allegations.

After reviewing the evidence, the House resolved that the claims were “untrue, unfounded, and baseless,” with no proof of any such transaction.

Speaker Elvert Ayambem emphasized that the investigation was not a witch-hunt but an effort to ensure transparency and due process, which ultimately vindicated the lawmaker.