Navajo Nation Council Moves to Remove President and Vice President
A resolution introduced to the 25th Navajo Nation Council on November 21 and 22 sought to remove President Buu Nygren and Vice President Richelle Montoya, citing alleged repeated violations of tribal law and misuse of authority. The measure, which names controversies including the ZenniHome housing matter, could disrupt tribal governance and local services as it proceeds through mandated notice and public comment stages.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council introduced a resolution on November 21 and 22 that seeks the removal of President Buu Nygren and Vice President Richelle Montoya from office. The measure alleges repeated violations of tribal law, misuse of authority, and failures of fiduciary responsibility. It also cites controversies such as the ZenniHome housing matter as part of the grounds for removal and accuses the executives of unauthorized personnel actions, failure to submit required reports, and creating an unsafe work environment.
Under Navajo Nation procedures the removal process will advance through the Council's due process steps and requires mandatory notice and public comment windows. Those formal steps are designed to give members of the Navajo Nation and stakeholders an opportunity to review allegations and present input before any final action is taken. The resolution signals a significant escalation in the ongoing governance dispute between the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch of the Navajo Nation.
For residents of Apache County and neighboring communities the dispute carries practical consequences. Leadership turnover at the tribal executive level could affect the administration of programs that intersect with county services, such as housing initiatives, infrastructure projects, and health and human services that depend on continuity of tribal management and federal or state funding arrangements. The ZenniHome housing matter named in the resolution in particular highlights how controversies over housing programs can have immediate impact on families awaiting homes, contractors, and local governments coordinating services.
The proceedings will also test institutional mechanisms the Navajo Nation uses to resolve internal conflicts while adhering to its laws and customs. The outcome may influence how the Nation interfaces with federal and state partners, and how external agencies evaluate ongoing projects and grants pending clarity in leadership. The mandatory public comment period will offer community members, intergovernmental partners, and tribal entities an official forum to express concerns and priorities.
As the process unfolds the Council timetable for notices and hearings will determine how quickly the matter moves and what interim arrangements may be necessary to maintain governmental functions. For residents seeking clarity on specific services or programs, county and tribal offices remain the first points of contact for updates.
