Akume Lauds Buhari Over JS Tarka Varsity
- Says honour for Tiv nation
For renaming the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi after the late Tiv leader, Chief Joseph Tarka, the former Governor of Benue State, George Akume, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari.
Akume, who is a Minister-designate, said the action of Mr President is a clear demonstration of his wisdom and statesmanship in honouring the memory of a great Nigerian patriot.
Born on July 10, 1932, Chief Joseph Tarka died in London on March 30, 1980, aged 48 years.
According to a bill just signed into law by the President, the institution is now officially named “Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi”
Senator Akume described the President’s action as an honourably to the Tiv nation and its late leader, adding; “The change of name is no doubt a timely and powerful reminder of the late Tarka’s legacy as a thoroughbred Nigerian patriot and statesman who worked tirelessly for the unity and cohesion of the North and the rest of the country.”
Going down memory lane, the former governor recalled how late Tarka emerged from a rural and humble background to become “the quintessential symbol of ethno-religious harmony and communal understanding” in the country.
“This posthumous recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities will go a long way in rekindling a sense of mutual respect, justice, tolerance and peaceful co-existence amongst Nigeria’s diverse people.
“Thanks, once more, Mr. President, for the great honour done to Tarka family, the Tiv people, J.S. Tarka’s friends and colleagues across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“It is a big testimony to your government’s Next Level vision of making Nigeria a land of sustainable prosperity, peace, security and development. Mr President, you are indeed a great friend and brother of the Tiv people”, Senator Akume said.
Late Tarka was the President of United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC), which formed an alliance with the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Action Group (AG) during the First Republic.
He represented Nigeria at the Nigerian Constitutional Conference of 1957 in London and was also the representative of the Middle Belt zone to the Willinks Commission of 1958.
With the First Republic consigned to the dustbin of history by the Nigerian Military, late Tarka was appointed the Federal Commissioner (now Minister) for Transport by the then Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in 1966.
Later in August 1974, he also became the Commissioner for Communication in the same regime and was succeeded by late Gen Murtala Mohammed
Tarka’s activism saw him emerging as the Senator representing Benue North East on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Republic between 1979 and 1980.
