Speaker Johnny Naize of the Navajo Nation Council remains confident that he will remain his leadership post despite a bill seeking to remove him.

Naize is facing bribery and conspiracy charges in tribal court. But he said he won't step down until the judicial process runs its course.

"The government itself must remain strong," Naize told the Associated Press.

Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd filed a bill to remove Naize from the speaker post. It would not require Naize to leave the council, which opened its winter session on Monday with a report from the speaker and the State of the Navajo Nation address.

Vice President Rex Lee Jim delivered the speech on behalf of President Ben Shelly, who was dealing with legislative issues in New Mexico, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

Get the Story:
Navajo council to decide on removing speaker (AP 1/27)
Five 'pillars' highlighted in state of the nation; Vice President Rex Lee Jim presents report to tribal council (The Farmington Daily Times 1/28)
Escalade could come before Council soon (The Navajo Times 1/23)

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Navajo Nation Council to consider bill to remove speaker (1/24)
Navajo chapters question lawmakers under indictment (1/14)
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize faces removal (1/9)