WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. has vetoed legislation that would have furthered empowered the top attorney for the tribe's legislative branch.

Tribal lawmakers passed a bill last month to give the chief legislative counsel the authority to hire or fire special prosecutors, a duty that historically had been reserved for the tribe's attorney general.

The measure also subjected a panel of judges that appoints special prosecutors to confirmation by the Tribal Council, which raised concerns that the process could become political.

Shirley says the measure is self-serving, retaliatory and counter to the public interest.

The 88-member Tribal Council can override the veto with 59 votes.