Michael Webster
Principal Chief Tiger of this Great Muscogee (Creek) Nation answers allocations
By Michael Webster
My fellow Muscogee Citizens, I want to respond to you my position on recent actions taken by the National Council regarding my elected role as your Principal Chief, and as the result of the recent newspaper article which is serving as a basis for these actions and which has been publicly acknowledged by Speaker Yahola.
As Principal Chief of this Great Muscogee (Creek) Nation, I have always adhered to the unwavering principles and requirements in our Constitution and in the Creek Nation Code of Laws that govern our Nation. Even in times of political turmoil and controversy, it is the solidarity of our Tribal laws that we must continue to recognize and uphold, especially during times when some current National Council
members seek to campaign for higher office in our Nation.
Because of this, I find it very troubling and unfortunate that the National Council met last night during an Emergency Session to consider and vote on a National Council Resolution (NCR) declaring "no confidence" in me serving as your Chief and to seek my immediate resignation. Under the Nation's laws, the Speaker and the National Council members fail to understand that a National Council Resolution is limited to matters relating to the internal operations ofthe National Council. The NCR is not permitted under our laws and policy to be a political platform for the National Council to speak on Executive Branch matters. This flawed process only seeks to further the interests of those on the Council who have already publicly declared they are seeking to run for the Office of the Principal Chief.
Another serious concern of this action by the National Council raises significant constitutional concerns regarding the impeachment process that is outlined in our Tribal Constitution and our Code of Laws. It is no secret that citizens have already filed a petition for signatures to remove me as Principal Chief, but that is only the beginning of the process. If the required number of signatures of Tribal Citizens are obtained on the petition and validated under our laws, an impeachment trial is constitutionally required to be held before a fair and impartial National Council who will then hear and consider evidence in a trial under rules of procedure. Most importantly, the impeachment process recognizes and requires my rights to due process and to respond to the allegations and to present evidence in my own defense during a formal trial.
With the passage of the National Council Resolution, which includes certain "findings" in support of my resignation before any trial has been set or evidence presented from both sides, I fear the National Council has now created a constitutional crisis that has violated my rights under the American Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, which by the way has been adopted by this Nation. This has further tainted the Citizens' right to a fair and impartial removal process as required under our laws. No court in this country would seat a jury with twelve individuals who have already publicly declared a defendant's guilt before a trial has even started. Our Constitution and Code of Laws require a fair and impartial process, so these are serious legal issues that must be considered during the course of this proposed removal process.
Again, I categorically deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing under our laws and under my oath to serve as your Principal Chief. Although this has always seemed to be the historical political pattern, I will not let these distractions keep me from continuing to do my duty to serve as your Principal Chief and to do my best to always advance the best interests of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in a mature manner.
We must not allow petty politics to be an obstacle to the vision of this administration. I ask the citizens to pray for all elected officials, so we may in unity get back to the normalcy of serving the people that elected us. Overcoming adversity strengthens us, and unity solidifies us.
© Michael Webster
March 21, 2015
My fellow Muscogee Citizens, I want to respond to you my position on recent actions taken by the National Council regarding my elected role as your Principal Chief, and as the result of the recent newspaper article which is serving as a basis for these actions and which has been publicly acknowledged by Speaker Yahola.
As Principal Chief of this Great Muscogee (Creek) Nation, I have always adhered to the unwavering principles and requirements in our Constitution and in the Creek Nation Code of Laws that govern our Nation. Even in times of political turmoil and controversy, it is the solidarity of our Tribal laws that we must continue to recognize and uphold, especially during times when some current National Council
members seek to campaign for higher office in our Nation.
Because of this, I find it very troubling and unfortunate that the National Council met last night during an Emergency Session to consider and vote on a National Council Resolution (NCR) declaring "no confidence" in me serving as your Chief and to seek my immediate resignation. Under the Nation's laws, the Speaker and the National Council members fail to understand that a National Council Resolution is limited to matters relating to the internal operations ofthe National Council. The NCR is not permitted under our laws and policy to be a political platform for the National Council to speak on Executive Branch matters. This flawed process only seeks to further the interests of those on the Council who have already publicly declared they are seeking to run for the Office of the Principal Chief.
Another serious concern of this action by the National Council raises significant constitutional concerns regarding the impeachment process that is outlined in our Tribal Constitution and our Code of Laws. It is no secret that citizens have already filed a petition for signatures to remove me as Principal Chief, but that is only the beginning of the process. If the required number of signatures of Tribal Citizens are obtained on the petition and validated under our laws, an impeachment trial is constitutionally required to be held before a fair and impartial National Council who will then hear and consider evidence in a trial under rules of procedure. Most importantly, the impeachment process recognizes and requires my rights to due process and to respond to the allegations and to present evidence in my own defense during a formal trial.
With the passage of the National Council Resolution, which includes certain "findings" in support of my resignation before any trial has been set or evidence presented from both sides, I fear the National Council has now created a constitutional crisis that has violated my rights under the American Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, which by the way has been adopted by this Nation. This has further tainted the Citizens' right to a fair and impartial removal process as required under our laws. No court in this country would seat a jury with twelve individuals who have already publicly declared a defendant's guilt before a trial has even started. Our Constitution and Code of Laws require a fair and impartial process, so these are serious legal issues that must be considered during the course of this proposed removal process.
Again, I categorically deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing under our laws and under my oath to serve as your Principal Chief. Although this has always seemed to be the historical political pattern, I will not let these distractions keep me from continuing to do my duty to serve as your Principal Chief and to do my best to always advance the best interests of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in a mature manner.
We must not allow petty politics to be an obstacle to the vision of this administration. I ask the citizens to pray for all elected officials, so we may in unity get back to the normalcy of serving the people that elected us. Overcoming adversity strengthens us, and unity solidifies us.
© Michael Webster
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