Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka CFR (1932–1980) was a Nigerian politician from Benue State and a former minister for Transport and then Communications under General Yakubu Gowon.

[3][4] While still working as a teacher, Tarka became interested in politics, drawing inspiration primarily from the radical intellectual Sa'adu Zungur, the writings of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the speeches of Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Both elections led to violence in the Middle Belt, which contributed to the Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu's inspired military take-over on January 15, 1966.

[2] After General Gowon took charge in August 1966, Tarka was appointed Federal Commissioner of Transport and then of Communications, resigning in 1974 after allegations of corruption from a fellow-Tiv named Godwin Daboh were published.

In the lead-up to restoration of democracy with the Nigerian Second Republic, Tarka aligned with northern politicians to form the National Party of Nigeria, on which platform he unsuccessfully competed in the Presidential elections.