Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize is facing a removal effort.
Council delegate Alton Joe Shepherd filed a bill to remove Naize from office. Naize is currently charged with 10 counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy in tribal court.
"The right thing to do is to step down and take care of those charges," Shepherd said in a statement, The Farmington Daily Times reported. "A leader will choose what is best for the nation, in this case the Navajo Nation Council, and with his action to remain as speaker he is only dividing the council."
Naize criticized the effort, although he said he respects the legislative process. He plans to stay in office and noted that he is innocent of the charges until proven guilty.
"I firmly believe that in times of adversity, a leader should step up and not back down to the challenges brought forth by the politics of others," Naize said in a
press release.
Council rules require a two-thirds vote to remove a speaker from office.
Get the Story:
Bill calls for removal of Navajo Nation Council speaker
(The Farmington Daily-Times 1/9)
Navajo lawmaker seeks removal of council speaker
(AP 1/7)
Chapter members question whether council members accused of crimes should continue to serve
(The Farmington Daily-Times 1/7)
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