IRVING, N.Y. (WKBW) — A former Seneca Nation councilor has filed a temporary restraining order against the nation regarding the settlement agreement between the nation and New York State.
The Seneca Nation and New York State signed a settlement agreement on January 12.
According to former councilor Sue Abrams says some 300 enrolled Seneca Nation members gathered for two community meetings this week voicing their opposition to President Matt Pagels’ settlement agreement.
“The settlement agreement was not formally approved by Council resolution in either a convened special or regular session of Council, and is an illegal action per Article 22 of the Seneca Nation Constitution. Matt Pagels acted unilaterally without the legal consent of a Council authorization, he violated the Seneca Nation Constitution, and acted in defiance of the people,” says Abrams. "The president and the council is ill-advised by their attorneys. The Nation has not exhausted all possible federal remedies and must continue to fight for the Seneca people. This temporary restraining order is being filed to stop the payments to the state. I am fighting for the people of the Seneca Nation, since President Pagels has let the Seneca people down.”
A Seneca Nation spokesman issued this statement:
"The Nation has not seen the official court filing and therefore cannot comment."
A decision on the order could be issued on Monday.
