A chaotic state of the Navajo Nation on Monday night continues to embroil the presidency and the legislative branches of the large tribe’s government.
Following his state of the nation address to the Navajo Nation council, President Buu Nygren walked out of the meeting amid questions from council members.
"I spent, in good faith, nearly 7 hours before the Navajo Nation Council — from 12 to 6:50 p.m. — giving my State of the Navajo Nation and answering questions," he wrote. "We started the day off in prayer, we rode horseback with the Council Delegates to the chambers, and sang our sacred Navajo songs as our ancestors once did.
"Even after those prayers, song, talks of “k’e”, and 7 hours of productive conversation, the conversation was once again derailed by the same delegates, using their same disgraceful tactics. I cannot continue to allow certain delegates to abuse and demoralize our Navajo Nation professionals who are working on the frontlines to serve our People."
Nygren is under scrutiny over an agreement signed with a Mesa-based microhome builder that was supposed to build houses on the Nation, but closed up operations just days after the Nation’s legislative branch announced it was investigating the deal.
On social media, Nygren accused legislative delegates of "bullying and demoralizing behavior. "
Then hours later, he posted a photo with the vice president, who last year accused him of sexual harassment, an allegation that an outside investigator refuted.
Nygren also thanked supporters as he enters the last 18 months of his administration.
The council said it voted unanimously to table the State of the Navajo Nation address, inviting the president to return this week.
"Monday’s action by President Nygren marks the second time he has abruptly left the Council Chamber in the middle of the State of the Navajo Nation Address. He has also failed to appear to present the State of the Navajo Nation Address on four separate occasions," according to the council.
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