Joseph Tarka

**Joseph Sarwuan Tarka** (July 10, 1932 – March 30, 1980) was a prominent Nigerian politician, educator, and nationalist who played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the minority groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. His political career spanned Nigeria's pre-independence, First Republic, and Second Republic eras, establishing him as one of the most influential figures from Benue State.Early Life and Education Joseph Sarwuan Tarka was born on July 10, 1932, in Igbor, Tiv Division, which is now part of Benue State, Nigeria. He was the son of Tarka Nachi and Ikpa Anyam. His father, Tarka Nachi, was a respected village teacher of Tiv origin who rose to become a headmaster and later a chief in Mbakor, Gboko area. Joseph Tarka began his career as a teacher, becoming involved in union activities such as the Tiv Native Authority Staff Union and the Northern Teachers Association. While teaching, he developed a deep interest in politics, influenced by the radical intellectual Sa’adu Zungur, the writings of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the speeches of Nnamdi Azikiwe.Career Progression and Political Activism Tarka's political career was marked by his dedication to representing and protecting the interests of Nigeria's minority ethnic groups. He was a founding member of the **United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC)**, a political organization established to advocate for the creation of a separate Middle Belt region outside of the Northern Region dominance. His efforts culminated in his election as a Member of Parliament for Jemgbar, where he served from 1954 until the dissolution of the First Republic in 1966. In 1962, he was briefly arrested alongside other Action Group leaders on charges of treasonable felony, but was later acquitted. Following the onset of military rule, Tarka continued to serve in governmental capacities. During the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon, he held key ministerial positions: * **Federal Commissioner of Transport** (In office: June 12, 1967 – 1971) * **Federal Commissioner of Communications** (In office: 1971 – August 1, 1974)Major Achievements and Notable Works Tarka is best remembered as a founding father of the Middle Belt movement and a vocal advocate for minority rights in Nigeria. His persistence in promoting the creation of new states to accommodate minority interests laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of states like Benue State. During the transition to the Second Republic, Tarka joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was elected as a Senator for Benue East Central in 1979. He was appointed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation, a pivotal role in the new civilian government.Current Status Joseph Sarwuan Tarka died in London, UK, on March 30, 1980, at the age of 47, while still serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation. His legacy endures as a champion of Nigeria's ethnic minorities and a key figure in the political development of the country. His son, Simeon Tarka, followed his father into politics, being elected to the House of Representatives in 1979.