More than 350 Nigerian women?s rights organizations have lodged an urgent complaint with the United Nations, accusing the Nigerian Senate of systemic gender-based discrimination and retaliation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

In a detailed petition submitted on Monday to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the Womanifesto coalition alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan?s February 20 accusation against Akpabio?who has denied the claim?was met with punitive action designed to silence her.

Just days after the allegation became public, the Senate?s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing procedural misconduct.

The suspension, which stripped her of allowances, security, and chamber access, was condemned by civil society groups as a calculated reprisal.

On July 4, Nigeria?s Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension unconstitutional and ?overreaching,? declaring that it deprived the lawmaker of her constitutional duties. But more than two months later, the Senate has yet to reinstate her, insisting the matter is still ?subject to litigation? or awaiting certified court records?claims critics say amount to deliberate obstruction.

?This is not just about one senator; it is about a culture that punishes women who speak out,? said Dr. Abiola-Akiyode-Afolabi, Convener of Womanifesto and Executive Director of the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). ?Refusing to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan even after a court ruling undermines Nigeria?s obligations under CEDAW and emboldens retaliation against women in politics.?

The petition urges the UN to press Nigeria?s government and Senate to: immediately reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan with full access to her office, security, and salary; guarantee her protection from intimidation or further reprisals; initiate an independent and impartial investigation into the harassment allegation; and reform legislative procedures to ensure non-retaliation and gender-sensitive complaint handling.

Signatories include Amnesty International Nigeria, Baobab for Women?s Human Rights, FIDA Nigeria, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund. The coalition warns that inaction could deter women from reporting abuse or seeking political office.

?The chilling effect on women?s political participation cannot be overstated,? the petition states. ?This case is a test of Nigeria?s commitment to gender equality and rule of law.?

UN officials have yet to issue a public response, but women?s groups say they are prepared to supply additional evidence?including court documents and correspondence from the Senate?if requested.

As pressure mounts, the standoff between the Senate and one of its own members has become a flashpoint in Nigeria?s ongoing struggle to confront sexual harassment and gender-based violence at the highest levels of power. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)

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