Navajo Nation chapters call for president’s removal amid financial investigation

Tensions between Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and government officials are escalating as several chapters call for the Navajo Nation Council to remove him or place him on administrative leave without pay, according to reporting by ICT.

The calls come as an investigation examines alleged financial misconduct and “recent behavior unbecoming of a Navajo leader.” Nygren said in a press release he will not resign. The dispute follows Nygren’s attempt to remove Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe, which the Window Rock District Court blocked on Oct. 17 with a temporary restraining order.

Western Navajo Agency Council President Dellard Curley said multiple chapters have passed resolutions supporting Nygren’s removal. The resolutions will go before the Navajo Nation Council, which holds authority to remove a president from office.