For the last few months, leaders from across the Navajo Nation have been butting heads over who is the tribe’s acting controller — the person responsible for handling their finances. President Buu Nygren tried firing that top official, while naming a replacement.
The dispute is now over.
Sean McCabe has been reaffirmed as the sole lawful controller through a legally binding stipulation inked on Wednesday between him and Nygren, which also orders McCabe to receive backpay and covers his attorney fees.
Nygren apologized in late November before the Navajo Nation Council for sending profanity-laced texts leaked by McCabe to delegates. The October exchange preceded his sudden termination. Screenshots show Nygren pressured McCabe to unlock his government-issued purchase card.
But McCabe told him there’s no budget.
“I apologize for using hurtful words or disrespectful words,” said Nygren. “I used language that I shouldn’t have. In moments of great stress we don’t always, you know, act as our best selves. This was one such occasion for me.”
In a statement, Nygren reiterates that his agreement with McCabe isn’t a “compelled admission” of any “unlawful action” or “wrongdoing,” stressing it’s a good-faith resolution “focused solely on stabilizing government operations.”
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