Water-deal fallout hits tribal leaders

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Decisions by the top leaders of the Navajo and Hopi tribes to support a water rights settlement have sparked efforts to remove them from office.

A group of Navajos filed a petition this week to recall tribal President Ben Shelly in a special election, saying he's not accountable to the people.

More than 38,000 signatures are needed to move the petition forward. The group also is targeting tribal Vice President Rex Lee Jim.

Shelly says the petition is void of facts and believes it's a personal vendetta from people who feel his leadership is too strong.

Some Hopi tribal members are meeting Saturday to discuss ousting Chairman Le Roy Shingoitewa. The tribe does not have a recall process, but elected officials can be removed through a Tribal Council resolution.

Both tribal councils last week rejected the proposed settlement of water rights on the Little Colorado River in northeastern Arizona.