Nygren accuses speaker of political takeover as removal effort intensifies

PAGE–LAKE POWELL

President Buu Nygren responded Saturday to the removal resolution introduced against him and Vice President Richelle Montoya, accusing Speaker Crystalyne Curley of pursuing a deliberate effort to take control of the Navajo Nation’s highest office. His statement came one day after the Curley released a resolution outlining more than a dozen alleged violations of Navajo Nation law.

In the statement, Nygren said the resolution, the special prosecutor’s ethics complaint and a separate lawsuit involving Curley are all connected.

“What is clear is that these actions and the removal legislation are simply part of a deliberate effort by the (speaker) to take for herself the Navajo (presidency),” he wrote.

The resolution, posted Friday night, lists findings involving missed reporting duties, personnel actions taken without required oversight, unvetted contracts and the misuse of federal relief funds. It states that both Nygren and Montoya failed to uphold the oath of office and breached fiduciary trust duties owed to the Navajo people. The measure will move through the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee before the full Council considers it. A two-thirds vote is required for removal.

Nygren challenges reporting, ties filings to lawsuit

Nygren’s statement did not address any of the allegations listed in the resolution or the details contained in the eight-page ethics complaint. Instead, he focused on the lawsuit that Curley filed in October and on media reporting related to that case.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there and I want to clear the record. I have been attending the trial, and the court has only made two rulings so far. The trial is nowhere near over,” he wrote. “The court has not ruled that the (speaker’s) allegations are correct. In short, as has been the case before, the Navajo Times’ reporting on this case has been incorrect.”

Nygren did not specify which part of the Navajo Times’ reporting he believes is incorrect. He also claimed the removal resolution and ethics complaint contain errors. He did not provide details but said he planned to respond later.

“They appear to be flawed in multiple ways, which I will address at a later date,” he wrote.

Curley responds to Nygren’s accusations

In response to Nygren’s statement, Curley said Saturday that the Council’s actions are tied to its legal responsibilities, not political motives. She said her role requires addressing concerns involving possible violations of Navajo Nation law and misuse of government resources.

“As leaders of the Navajo Nation, we each took an oath to uphold Diné law and to protect the financial integrity of our government. My actions have always been rooted in that responsibility,” Curley said. “When concerns arise involving violations of law or misuse of government resources, it is our obligation to address them directly and transparently.”

She said the Council’s filings were based on accountability and financial oversight.

“The steps taken by Council, whether through legal filings or Legislative action are not political maneuvers or attempts to seek higher office. They are grounded in the duty to ensure accountability, safeguard public funds and uphold the trust our people place in their government,” she said. “Ignoring unlawful acts or improprieties would be a failure to the very oath we swore.”

Curley said she remains committed to protecting the Nation’s finances and strengthening the integrity of Diné laws so the public can have confidence in their government.

The president linked the current resolution to a previous political effort to recall him.

“It is disgraceful that Speaker Curley has aligned herself with those who spearheaded the failed recall effort against me,” he wrote. “She is simply wanting to take for herself the Navajo Presidency.”

Curley, in a statement Friday, said the resolution reflects the Council’s obligation to uphold Navajo Nation law and respond to concerns raised by chapters, agency councils and community members.

“Many of our Navajo people and a majority of chapters have adopted resolutions calling for the removal of President Nygren and Vice President Montoya for failing to uphold their oath of office and for numerous allegations, some of which are now filed in court,” Curley said.

She added that the findings in the resolution were drawn from public concerns and official documents.

“This legislation reflects the voices of chapters, agency councils, and countless Diné community members who have called for accountability,” she said. “Our laws are clear and mandate that leaders must uphold balance, truth and the highest ethical standards. When they do not, it is the Council’s responsibility to act on behalf of the Navajo people.”

Montoya describes exclusion from Nygren Administration

Montoya also issued a statement Saturday describing what she said were two years of exclusion from decision-making within the Nygren Administration. She said she was “intentionally sidelined” and “kept in the dark” on core decisions and had no involvement in the actions listed in the resolution.

Her description stands in contrast to portions of the resolution that outline actions taken “on behalf of” the Office of the President and Vice President that it states fell outside her authority. The resolution also cites a public comment Montoya made about an ongoing investigation, which it alleges was improper.

Nygren closed his statement by reiterating his focus on service.

“Despite these political attacks, I remain focused on serving the Navajo people and continuing the work to bring homes, water and essential services to our communities,” he wrote.

The removal resolution remains posted under the required five-day period before it can be brought before the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee. Delegates have not announced when they expect to consider the measure. Members of the public may submit written comments by email or mail to the Office of Legislative Services as the resolution moves forward.

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