WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren announced at an Oct. 15 press conference that he would terminate the authority over all projects and initiatives assigned to Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya.
He also addressed threats made against him and his staff by the “Recall Nygren” group.
Speaking to reporters, Nygren detailed reasons for his decision to curtail the Vice President’s duties, and the reasons Debbie Nez Manuel was fired as director of the Division of Human Resources. Once terminated, Nez-Manuel launched the “Recall President Nygren” committee.
“Obviously, I'm demanding accountability with everyone in this administration, and that includes the Vice President,” Nygren said.
Nygren said he has asked the Vice President to submit her daily schedules and submit progress reports which she has refused to do.
He cited assignments given to the Vice President that were not completed.
“I reassigned those initiatives to others to ensure that these programs were not neglected,” Nygren said. “She has refused to provide a progress report since my memo to her on June 17. Today, I have informed the Vice President that I have reassigned all of her remaining projects and priorities to other staff members ... I cannot allow them to be neglected any further.”
A deciding factor, he said, was Montoya’s decision to sign Nez-Manuel’s recall petition.
“That was her announcement to the Navajo people of her formal break from this administration," Nygren said. "It is her way of saying she no longer supports this administration. I welcome her resignation to make room for someone who wants to be a part of this administration.”