By Morgan Ufuoma, Suzan Odianosen, Amina Ismaila, Owolabi Ayodeji Prince
Chris Tarka reflects on his journey from Benue State to political leadership with lessons on patience, resilience and the power of education.
The Project Genius team recently sat down with Hon. Chris Tarka, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), for an insightful conversation about his life journey, professional accomplishments, and the lessons he has learned along the way. From his early days in Benue State to his various career pursuits, including business, politics, and mining.
As the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tarka’s journey is one marked by personal trials, political aspirations, and a deep connection to his roots.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family of seven in Doku, Benue State, Chris Tarka’s early life was filled with movement and structure. At a young age, his father sent him to live with a family friend in Gwer Local Government Area, where he was instilled with the values of discipline and education. “We were expected to wake up early, do our chores, and be at school before 7:30,” he recalls.
Tarka’s formal education spanned across various schools, beginning at St. John’s College in Boko and culminating at Kaduna Capital School. His leadership skills were evident early on. As a secondary school student, he was the secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and served as the chairman of the campus senate of “The High Why.” One incident that stands out in his memory was his role as the store keeper, a prefect who manages the school’s food supplies. “There was a near riot when weevils were found in the beans, but I took a quick decision to serve bread and milk meant for the next day. The first thing the next morning, I reordered bread again. When the bursar came, he asked why I did that, I told him that sir if I didn’t do that, you would not see a building here, the students were ready to riot.”
This was one of the events of his early childhood that taught him the importance of decisive leadership in crisis.
After secondary school, Chris set his sights on Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) but instead found himself studying in London, a decision driven by his father amidst a university strike. He completed his A-Levels at the London College of Economics. Fate, however, had other plans when a family friend encouraged him to move to Nebraska, U.S., to play basketball while pursuing business studies. This period of his life highlights the ups and downs among his passion for law, his father’s insistence on business and finally playing basketball in Nebraska.
Venturing into Business and Politics
Tarka’s entry into politics was not by design but by circumstance. Following the loss of both his parents, he returned to Nigeria and ventured into the business world. “You know in America, you are time conscious and you can do three or four appointments in a day. What I found difficult was getting even one appointment in a day. In fact, when I started I was looking for contracts, it was hard, and I could not find anything. I became very discouraged, nothing was happening. Somebody suggested that I should go to Benue state and get involved in politics and of course I went into it.” His determination led him to politics, inspired by friends and mentors.
In the early 1990s, a friend introduced him to mining, specifically “barite,” a mineral used in the oil industry. Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the field, Tarka embraced the opportunity, proving once again that perseverance and adaptability were key traits in his journey.
His political career was further shaped by his family’s legacy. As the son of Joseph Tarka, a revered figure in Nigerian politics, there was an unspoken expectation for Chris to continue the Tarka political dynasty. He was mentored by the late Major General Shehu Yar’Adua and played a significant role in the establishment of the People’s Front in Benue State. His first attempt at office was thwarted by internal party politics, a humbling experience that led him to focus on behind-the-scenes political work “I went to the national republican congress and I decided to contest for the state house of assembly, we were under one local government then, and I actually got a nod from my people to go for it, that was the first time I became a constituent candidate at the village level cause the two parties came together.
“At the local government level, three of us contested and I was not doing bad until the local government chairman called a meeting and I was so amazed when he said congratulations, I heard you decided to step down, I was shocked, how did I step down, I looked to my ward chairman and the man could not look me in the eye, I figured something had happened. So, for the interest of peace and stability, I said yes I stepped down”.
Personal Values and Defining Moments
Chris Tarka’s life is marked by lessons in endurance, patience, and determination. These values were instilled in him through childhood experiences, such as learning to balance water on his head while visiting his grandmother, a metaphor for the phases of life and the challenges that come with them. “Problems come according to what you can carry,” he says. “When your neck is strong enough, you can handle bigger problems.”
Fishing is another childhood passion that taught Tarka patience—something he believes is essential in both business and politics. “You have to sit quietly and wait for the fish to take the bait,” he explains, likening the process to life’s opportunities.
One of the most defining moments in his life was the loss of his father while they were both in the UK. “We had to fly him back in a C130 Air Force plane, and when we landed in Lagos, I was amazed at the crowd that came out to receive him. It was then that I truly understood how much my father meant to people, not just in Benue but across the country.”
The Legacy and the Future
Though Tarka has never formally held an elected office, his influence in the political arena is undeniable. He was once the national delegate for the national Republican Congress for the presidential congress, was part of the campaign team for Shehu Musa who ran for the president of Nigeria in the primaries and recently, as the deputy secretary for the Tinubu-Shettima presidential campaign in 2023, his work behind the scenes continues to shape the future of Nigerian politics. But beyond politics, it is his commitment to the youth that defines his legacy. “One of my greatest joys is sponsoring students who are underprivileged. Someone paid for me to go to school, and I believe in paying it forward.”
Chris Tarka is more than a politician or businessman. He is a man whose life has been shaped by perseverance, a strong sense of responsibility to his community, and a deep belief in the power of education and opportunity. His journey is far from over—Tarka still harbors a passion for law, a field he hopes to study one day, inspired by childhood TV shows like Perry Mason.
As he continues to navigate the corridors of power in Nigeria, Tarka remains grounded in the lessons of his past, always looking for ways to give back and pave the way for the next generation. For Chris Tarka, nothing is impossible; it’s just a matter of time, patience, and perseverance.
