Shepherd submits legislation for Speaker’s resignation
By Bill Donovan
Special to the Times
WINDOW ROCK, Jan. 9, 2014
(Times photo - Donovan Quintero)
Navajo Nation Council speaker Johnny Naize at his swearing-in ceremony.
But after talking to other Council delegates, chapter officials and his constituents, he said it's an effort he has to make because "it's the right thing to do."
Shepherd, who is a first-time delegate representing Cornfields, Ganado, Steamboat, KindahLichii and Jeddito, submitted legislation on Tuesday that would require Naize to step down as speaker until the charges filed in December by the tribe's special prosecutor are resolved.
The special prosecutors, in their filings, have accused Naize of conspiring with several other delegates from 2007 to 2010, to provide $36,550 in grants from the tribe's discretionary fund to members of his family (see related article).
Naize is one of 77 members of the tribal Council during those years who have been charged with bribery in connection with misuse of the discretionary funds.
To find out Naize's response, pick up a Navajo Times.
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