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Lewis Hamilton: F1 marshal forced to quit job for disgusting tweet about ‘LH44’
A Formula 1 marshal at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been dismissed from his duties after tweeting that he hopes Lewis Hamilton “crashes like Romain in Bahrain.”
It’s shaping up to be a weekend to forget for Hamilton, in more ways than one.
The seven-time world champion had been lacking pace throughout the weekend in Saudi Arabia, culminating in him failing to get out of Q1 and qualifying 16th overall.
Not often do you find Hamilton lingering so far down the pecking order, in fact, it’s the first time since he crashed out in the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2017 that he has failed to get out of Q1. But to find a time when he didn’t get out of Q1 due to a sheer lack of pace? Well, then you’re looking back at the British Grand Prix of 2009, in his McLaren days…
An “undriveable car” was the culprit, according to a downbeat Hamilton when speaking to the media in the paddock after, who also suggested that he may “look to start from the pit-lane,” to allow the team to break parc-ferme conditions and make changes to his untameable Mercedes.
However, it’s not just on-track that controversy has consumed the Briton. A tweet made by an official marshal at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has also been circulating.
The marshal wrote: “I hope he (Hamilton) has an accident like Romain (Grosjean) in Bahrain.”
Grosjean was involved in a horrendous accident at the 2020 Bahrain GP that saw his car sever in two and burst into flames. The Frenchman was lucky to escape with his life.
The FIA were alerted to the tweet on Saturday morning and investigated the account. Ahead of the final practice session on Saturday morning, they told ESPN that the marshal had apologised and would take no further part in the race weekend.
The marshal’s Twitter account, which is no longer public, issued the following apology: “I would like to apologise to SAMF (Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation) and Lewis and announce my resignation from my duties on track.”
Hamilton hasn’t been shy about sharing his views on racing in the country. He has received a letter from the family of Abdullah al-Howaiti, a teenager currently sitting on death row in Saudi Arabia for alleged crimes he committed when aged 14, asking the Brit to use his influence to help.
“My position is still the same as when I spoke here last year,” Hamilton said on Friday, when asked about racing in Saudi Arabia.
“There’s not really a lot that I can say that’s going to make much of a difference. It’s obviously mind-blowing to hear the stories. I’ve heard that there’s a letter sent to me from a 14-year-old that’s on death row… When you are 14 you don’t know what the hell you are doing in life, so it’s…
“But we don’t decide where we go. I think we are duty-bound to try while we are here [to raise awareness], it’s not necessarily our responsibility when we are brought here, but we try and do what we can.”
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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