SGF, ministers meet to avert protests 

•NLC says protest didn’t originate from it, as South-east governors, Abiodun oppose proposed rally

•APC, other stakeholders urge engagement as PDP supports movement against hardship 

•Dialogue with protesters, House minority caucus urges FG

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi, John  Shiklam in Kaduna, Sylvester Idowu in Warri and James Sowole in Abeokuta

The federal government has warned that there would be dire consequences for the stability of the country if a nationwide protest being planned by some Nigerians goes ahead from the beginning of next month.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, met with ministers in his office behind closed doors to try to avert the protest.

But Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday, dismissed reports that it was withdrawing from the proposed national protest by some citizens over the harsh economic situation in the country, saying it cannot be part of an idea that did not emanate from it.