Speculations about the fate of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru M. Jega, heightened this evening when a report started circulating to the effect that he has been ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon plans to use card readers for the forthcoming general elections or resign honourably. This immediately heightened anxiety over his fate.

An sms forwarded to News Express by someone claiming to be privy to the order, reads: “Very urgent. I just received a message that Jega has been summoned to Aso Rock (and told) to either drop the card reader or resign.” The source claimed that the order was handed down to Jega at an on-going security meeting.

INEC officials contacted by News Express however poured cold water on the claim.

Deputy Director in charge of publicity, Nick Dazang said: “I am not aware of this.”

Jega’s Chief Press Secretary kayoed Idowu said: “He was NOT summoned. He was invited to brief on preps and was equally briefed on security. It was a useful meeting.”

News Express reports that Jega has been under pressure from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP0 and its supporters to cancel plans to use Permanent Voters Cards and card readers for the elections scheduled for March 28 and April 11. The INEC Chairman has however rebuffed the pressures while also shrugging off requests for his resignation in connection with the issue.

•Photo shows Jega.