President Joe Shirley Jr. issues statement concluding Navajo Nation Ethics and Rules investigation

WINDOW ROCK Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. issued the following statement to conclude the ethics investigation of the Office of the President on July 27.

"As President of the Navajo Nation, I strongly believe that the Navajo Ethics in Government Law is necessary to maintain the integrity of our government and the confidence of our people in those elected or appointed to serve them.

"All public officials must be held accountable for their actions and the Ethics in Government Law is necessary to govern and enforce this essential standard of conduct. It is with this understanding that I admit a mistake was unintentionally made by the Office of the President/Vice-President in the decision to hire the first lady.

"Upon realizing the mistake, corrective actions were taken and all payroll checks issued to the first lady were returned to the Navajo Nation Office of the Controller. Since then, all work performed by the first lady, pursuant to the Plan of Operation, has been on a volunteer basis.

"I truly believe that as public officials we have a duty to uphold and comply with the laws of the Navajo Nation. I regret the mistake was made, and I pledge to you that my Administration fully supports and complies with the law.

"In closing, citizens of the Navajo Nation, I thank you for your confidence in me. I pledge to continue to protect and maintain the integrity of the Navajo Nation government."

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read