Navajo council to decide on removing speaker over bribery charges

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Council began its weeklong winter session Monday with the prospect of the legislative leader being removed from his post because of pending bribery and conspiracy charges.

Legislation sponsored by Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd would oust Speaker Johnny Naize from the job but not as a council delegate representing parts of Arizona. The criminal charges against Naize stem from an investigation into the council’s use of tribal discretionary funds.