Last week, the Nigerian digital space was set ablaze by the resurfacing of about decade old tweets linked to Ezra Olubi, co-founder of Paystack. Within hours, the conversation spiraled into a full-blown public conversation, damaging perceptions and fueling unnecessary speculation. Interestingly, the real issue was not the tweets themselves, it was the silence that followed.
Silence is not neutrality; silence is a narrative on its own. And more often than not, it is a narrative that works against you.
Ezra’s silence, more than the tweets themselves, became the real catalyst of the crisis. And this is why I keep repeating; “PR is a shield. It is not optional. It is survival”.
The irony is that the supposed ‘scandal’ could have been neutralized within 24 hours. The tweets were posted over 10 years ago. The world changes. People grow. Perspectives evolve. A simple, well-crafted statement or a short video acknowledging the tweets as his thoughts at that time and clarifying how he has matured since then and become a better person, would have instantly reframed the narrative.
People do not demand perfection from leaders or innovators. What they demand is communication, transparency, and accountability.
But when a vacuum is created, people on social media fill it with assumptions, speculation, and in many cases, misinformation.
Silence is not maturity. Silence is not wisdom. In crisis communication, silence is surrender.
Read also: Paystack suspends co-founder, CTO Ezra Olubi amid sexual misconduct allegation
Whether you are a personal brand, a CEO, an entertainer, a politician, or a corporate organization, one truth remains consistent: the moment you go quiet during a crisis, you lose control of the story.
This is exactly why every public figure must work with a PR agency long before a crisis appears. You don’t buy fire extinguishers during a fire. You buy them before.
When a crisis hits, your PR team controls the narrative, spin the situation if necessary by repositioning, and redirecting attention to protect your long-term reputation. and shield your image.
Ezra’s case is a powerful reminder: the internet never forgets, but it always forgives those who take responsibility, communicate clearly, and show growth.
In an era where one screenshot can erase years of credibility, Public Relations is negotiable. It is a pillar of brand survival.
If you’re a Public figure, work with a PR agency like Buzz Africa PR. Your future reputation depends on it.
