Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said he hopes the tribal courts will act swiftly to resolve a Navajo Nation Council dispute.

Shelly acknowledged that the council has the power to determine its membership and discipline its members. But he expressed concerned that Speaker Johnny Naize has been placed on pay for an indefinite period.

"The matter is in litigation," Shelly said in a statement. "We anticipate an immediate resolution as the court will make the appropriate decision."

Naize has asked a tribal court judge to restore him to the speaker's post. A decision hasn't been made but a hearing will be held April 16.

Naize has been facing questions about his leadership after he was charged in tribal court in a bribery scheme. He said he wasn't willing to step down until his case was resolved.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly says tribe will continue operations despite legal woes (The Farmington Daily Times 4/10)

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