Former Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize. Photo from Facebook

The Navajo Nation Council will meet in a special session on Thursday to choose a new leader.

The meeting comes because former Speaker Johnny Naize resigned on Monday after being stuck on leave since April. He is pleading guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery for allegedly misusing tribal funds.

“I have been privileged to represent the communities of Tselani/Cottonwood, Nazlini, Many Farms, Tachee/Blue Gap, Low Mountain,” Naize said in his resignation letter, according to a press release. “The progress made in my sixteen years of service as an elected official fills me with the utmost thanks for the projects and improvements made for my communities.”

According to the press release, the Navajo Election Administration was expected to declare Naize's seat vacant yesterday. The chapters that he represented now have 45 days to recommend someone to serve out the remainder of his term.

Get the Story:
After Resigning, Navajo Speaker to Plead Guilty in Fund Misuse Case (KNAU 9/29)
Johnny Naize resigns as speaker, ends his service on Navajo Nation Council (The Farmington Daily Times 9/30)
Navajo lawmaker facing bribery charges quits post (The Albuquerque Journal 9/30)

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Navajo Nation Council speaker still on leave amid court fight (4/17)
Navajo Nation president hopes for speedy resolution of dispute (04/10)
Speaker of Navajo Nation Council fights paid leave in tribal court (4/9)