Joseph Sarwuan Tarka (1932–1980) was a Nigerian politician from Benue State who became one of the most respected voices for minority groups in the country’s Middle Belt region. He was a founding member of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) and played a key role in shaping the political identity of the Middle Belt. Known for his courage and determination, Tarka fought for equality, justice, and fair representation for his people during Nigeria’s early years of independence.
Joseph Tarka Profile
| Name | Senator Joseph Tarka |
| Real Name | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka |
| Date of Birth | 10 July 1932 |
| Date of Death | 30 March 1980 (48 years) |
| State of Origin | Benue State |
| Tribe | Tiv |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
He began his education at the Native Authority Primary School in Gboko and later attended Katsina-Ala Middle School. Afterwards, he trained as a teacher at the Bauchi Rural Science School. His background as a teacher helped shape his leadership style, calm, persuasive, and rooted in knowledge.
Career
Tarka joined politics in 1954 when he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives representing the Jemgbar constituency. In 1957, he co-founded the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC), a political group created to defend the rights and interests of minority ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria.
He worked with other political leaders, including those from the Action Group, to push for the creation of more states so that smaller ethnic groups could have their own representation. During General Yakubu Gowon’s military government, Tarka was appointed Federal Minister of Transport and later Minister of Communications.
In 1974, he resigned from his ministerial post after being accused of corruption, a controversy that led to his temporary political setback. However, he made a strong comeback in 1979 when he was elected Senator for Benue East and became Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation, a position he held until his death in 1980.
Controversies
Tarka’s biggest controversy came in 1974 when corruption allegations forced him to step down as a minister. Though he was never convicted, the accusations affected his political image for a while. Despite that, many of his supporters continued to see him as a brave leader who stood for fairness and equality in a politically divided country.
Joseph Tarka Social Media Handle
Since Tarka lived long before the age of the internet, he had no social media presence.
Personal Life
Joseph Tarka was born on July 10, 1932, in Igbor, Benue State, to Tarka Nachi, who was a teacher, headmaster, and later a traditional chief. He was married and had children, though he preferred to keep his family life private.
Joseph Tarka Net Worth
At the time of his death in 1980, Joseph Tarka’s exact net worth was not $1 million.
Death
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka died in 1980 at the age of 48. His death came suddenly while he was still serving as a Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Though the exact cause of death was not widely publicized, his passing was a major loss to Nigeria’s political scene, especially in the Middle Belt region where he was deeply admired.