Navajo council fails to pass removal resolution

Posted at: 10/21/2009 9:29 AM
By: The

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - The Navajo Tribal Council has failed to pass a resolution demanding the immediate removal from office of President Joe Shirley Jr. and Vice President Ben Shelly.

The effort failed in a 45-18 vote Tuesday in Window Rock, Ariz.

A spokesman for Shirley says neither Shirley nor Shelly plans to resign.

Legislation to put top tribal executives on investigative leave went before delegates on the second day of the council's fall session.

A five-hour executive session Monday discussed investigations and alleged legal violations arising from tribal contracts with two companies. Council spokesman Joshua Butler says the reports reveal serious impropriety and serious violations within the executive branch.

Hardeen disputes any wrongdoing and says the council has not given Shirley an opportunity to respond.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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