A Navajo lawmaker submitted a proposal Tuesday that would remove the speaker of the Tribal Council, who is facing criminal charges in an investigation into the misuse of public funds, AP reports.
Alton Joe Shepherd said Speaker Johnny Naize’s leadership has come into question since being charged last year with bribery and conspiracy.
Criminal complaints filed in tribal court allege that Naize and other current and former tribal lawmakers engaged in a scheme to divert money intended for Navajos in need.
Naize says he’s done nothing wrong and predicts he’ll be cleared of all charges.
