Tarka also refuted claims by Nollywood thespian that Tiv men entertain visitors with their wives
By Kehinde Okeowo
Terna Tarka, the estranged husband of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show star and Nollywood actress, Venita Akpofure, has claimed he never offered her to his visitors while they were married.
He made this known on his social media page recently, while debunking his former wife’s controversial statement about Tiv men while she was on the just concluded BBNaija All Stars.
Venita had during the television reality show asserted that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.”
Her claim later elicited a lot of backlash from netizens, majority of whom were Tivs tribe from Benue State, with some of them threatening to sue her.
She later apologised to Nigerians from the tribe for what she described as a “careless” comment.
Despite her apology, her ex-husband has now taken to social media to say he never subjected her to such practices and emphasised that Tiv men don’t engage in such acts.
ALSO READ: Woman confesses hardship forced her to sell her grandson for N50,000
Speaking via a now-viral video online, Tarka said: “I’m here today to address a very controversial narrative that has been making the rounds all over social media and the news. This is regarding the statement that when Tiv men host their guests, they give their wives out to these guests for pleasure purposes.
“Speaking as a proud Tiv man who was born into one of the most prominent families to come out of the Middle Belt region and the first grandson of Joseph Tarka, I would like to categorically state that in all my years of hosting my guests, even the thought of such a derogatory practice has never crossed my mind. Therefore, such a thing never ever occurred in my marriage.
“Coming from a prominent Tiv family, it’s easy to be the target of the backlash regarding this matter. On the other hand, I’m also well-placed to speak on behalf of all Tiv people when I state clearly that such a practice has never occurred or existed within the Tiv culture or any other Nigerian culture for that matter.
“This issue has been addressed by our paramount ruler, His Royal Highness, Prof. James Ayaste. I can assure you that Tiv men are fiercely protective of wives and daughters. I strongly suggest against trespassing, or you will face the consequences.”
