OPINION: The Life and Times of Abba Kyari: A Lesson for NigeriaBy. At this time what people saw was an Abba Kyari a de facto head of government. Abba Kyari (OON), who was born on 23 September 1952, to a Kanuri family from Borno, became one of Nigerians most qualified and most experienced leader to ever served his nation. We remember Gen Tunde Idiagbon was like this late Abba Kyari. This Abba Kyari and also late Gen Idiagbon were first class Nigerian leaders and it should be acknowledged.