WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — A recall effort to oust Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has culminated in allegations of harassment, dishonesty and bullying behavior.
In a press conference held Tuesday, Nygren described the people behind the recall committee as power-hungry individuals with little regard for the Navajo community.
Nygren's remarks included the announcement that he had stripped all assignments and projects from Vice President Richelle Montoya and would "welcome" her resignation "to make room for someone who wants to be a part of this administration."
Nygren said Montoya's decision in September to sign the recall petition targeting him was “her announcement to the Navajo people of her formal break from this administration.”
Nygren further claimed the vice president had not been making sufficient progress on the administration's projects.
Earlier this year, Montoya announced she had been sexually harassed during a meeting in August 2023 that made her "less than," according to the Navajo Times. President Nygren has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch recently said an investigation into Montoya's statements by an outside attorney is ongoing.
"I understand there may be frustration that his investigation has not been completed yet, but a thorough and wholesome investigation requires review of significant documentation and numerous interviews, which cannot be done overnight," the attorney general wrote in a statement last week.
The recall committee accuses Nygren, who was elected in 2022, of "deceiving" the public and not fulfilling his campaign promises. Nygren said during Tuesday's event he feels the recall effort has led to disturbing rhetoric being expressed that he has perceived as threatening.
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